GB 1853 Cover

The cover is damaged but it is the stamp I was interested in.

Is that an enclosure I see? If so, what does it say?

Unless my eyes deceive me or it is a color changeling... the impressed stamp should be PINK (or Rose to be correct). Perhaps the scorched edge is a clue to the color change? Dated 31st December too which is note-worthy. From 1855 to around 1881 the impressed stamp would have been dated.

I assumed that this was the natural color.

I'm sure it should be Rose colored. Posted on 30th December 1853 from NANPTWICH (olde worlde spelling) in the county of Chester, England to 4 North Great George's Street, DUBLIN with receiving mark dated 31st December 1853.

Stamp has the "538" numeral cancel of Nantwich... formerly Namptwich.

Does the stamp have any value, acotzm?

Normally I'd think around £40 -£140 UK for a cover even in that slightly battered condition. I'm unsure about the color though. The NAMPTWICH postmark would be highly desirable I suspect as would anything with an Irish connection. Research might improve things as well.

What is the SC # for this, scotzm? btw, I paid a little over $12 US for this. Would it be better for me to leave the stamp there or remove it...

Research it before you decide. Printed between 1841 and 1854 the "stamp" is part of the envelope and it should be left intact. Cut it out and you cut history and most likely a LOT of value. I do not have a Scott# or a S.G# but there is probably something in Huggins & Baker.
The postmarkings make it a worthy item as well.
Look at the diagonal line in the corner of the envelope. I believe it to be a silk thread which, going by my ancient Bright and Sons catalog, indicates it is a #453 (Bright and Sons cat no) and also it must the DEEP ROSE color.

Is there an inverted slug in the CDS or is it just too early for me yet? Looks like an inverted "B" to me?

You are right, Jeff...What an eye you have for detail...How could I have missed that Thanks, Jeff,scotzm, and smauggie,

This is definitely a colour changeling unfortunately -- these are known as "Penny Pinks" and the original colour is a fairly light pink. Even in good condition they tend to sell in the UK at maybe £2-3, often for the postmarks. There are some scarcer variants which sell for more to postal stationery collectors, but this looks like one of the common types.